Marco Pavone explains the refreshed Volkswagen Polo

Marco Pavone, the Brazilian designer who heads exterior design at Volkswagen, was also the person behind the refreshed Volkswagen Polo - and he shares a closer look at how this project came together.

Design runs in the Pavone family. Marco’s identical twin brother, José Carlos Pavone, is an automotive designer too. The Pavone twins had barely learned to stand before they were sketching cars; that near cradle-to-career passion, paired with determination and talent, eventually paid off.

Marco (on the left in the photo) leads Volkswagen exterior design at the brand’s headquarters in Germany, while José Carlos (on the right) is the company’s design director in Latin America.

With the Polo 6.5 generation now on the way, Marco Pavone walks us through some of its key highlights.

Marco Pavone and the Volkswagen Polo 6.5 refresh

The original Polo launched in 1975 and the sixth generation, which has now been updated, debuted in 2017. More than 40 years separate those two moments - but are there still similarities between the two cars?

Marco Pavone (MP): Even though the first Polo had completely different dimensions and the new model is the largest Polo ever, the proportions are comparable: short body overhangs, a carefully balanced roof structure in relation to the vehicle’s length, and shapes that taper towards the front. And, very importantly, the C-pillar that drops steeply - and is considerably more dynamic on the new Polo.

Design cues carried over from earlier Polos

So the Polo’s predecessors influenced the design of the new model?

MP: The outline of the side glasshouse is a great example. It was already a key design feature back in 1975. The long hinge line is still there, but it’s now more dynamic and more powerful. From 2017 onwards the Polo strengthened its wedge shape, strong “shoulders” and tornado silhouette. Overall, it’s clearly more masculine, more “grown-up” - and more emotional.

The principles and requirements shaping the exterior

Which specifications most influenced the development of the design?

MP: Volkswagen design is all about logic. Dynamic lines help organise the surfaces and create a sense of perspective. That logic is especially clear at the front of the car - every line comes together to deliver a masculine sense of dynamism. It’s like maths: when certain factors are combined, they lead to a particular outcome; ultimately, everything fits.

What changed in the 2021 Volkswagen Polo exterior

And what did you want to change in the exterior design for this 2021 generation?

MP: I’d highlight two areas. First, the front grille with the full-width light strip used as the daytime running light helps tie all the elements together - while also making the new Polo look wider and more refined than before. Second, the new rear light design emphasises the back end and, for the first time in its history, makes the Polo look like it belongs to a class above.

In one sentence, what makes the refreshed Volkswagen Polo the best ever?

MP: It’s the Polo with the strongest character ever.

If you still haven’t had the chance to see everything that has changed on the updated Volkswagen Polo, let Guilherme Costa talk you through it in our video:

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